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Friday 2 Feb 2018

Network Rail teams up with councils to tackle fly-tipping at railway aqueduct which is causing flood risk

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail is working with Corsham Town Council and Wiltshire Council in a bid to stop fly tipping at the Potley Lane aqueduct in Corsham.

The aqueduct installed in 2017 as part of the essential upgrade work to prepare the line for electrification, is at risk of flooding due to the illegal dumping of rubbish. Recent periods of heavy rain have washed large amounts of debris into the aqueduct, including a discarded Christmas tree, a car tyre, a plastic bin as well as other household waste. 

This build-up of debris poses a significant flood risk to the railway line below, which could disrupt services.

Alastair Mackay, Environmental Manager from Network Rail, said: “The aqueduct was installed as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan as we continue to improve the railway and passenger journeys.

“The fly tipping causes a flood risk, so we have teamed up with Corsham Town Council and Wiltshire Council to reduce fly tipping and decrease the risk of flooding on the railway and to other users downstream.”

Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council explained: “We have a zero tolerance policy to fly tipping in Wiltshire. We won’t hesitate to fine or prosecute offenders when we catch them.

“I find it a real shame that people resort to driving to remote spots within this beautiful county to dump items when they can go directly to one of our household recycling centres and dispose of it properly. Not only does it blight the countryside, it can also cause other issues such as flooding and health concerns”.

Members of the public can make an anonymous report of fly tipping by visiting the Wiltshire Council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk or by calling 0300 456 100.